The Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara, in collaboration with the Pakistan Embassy International Study Group (PEISG), hosted a cultural evening in honour of a delegation of high-achieving Pakistani students visiting Türkiye under the special initiative of the Prime Minister of Pakistan H.E Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to reward academic excellence and promote educational and cultural exchanges between the two brotherly countries.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Türkiye, H.E. Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Rector OST?M Technical University Prof. Dr. Murat Ali Yulek, Senior Joint Secretary Mr. Aftab Rashid from Pakistan’s Ministry of Education, senior officials from the Turkish Ministry of National Education, academicians and other distinguished guests attended the event.
In his remarks, Ambassador Junaid highlighted that the students’ visit reflects Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of empowering youth and deepening educational cooperation with Türkiye. He urged the students to serve as young ambassadors of Pakistan and to learn from Türkiye’s educational and cultural experiences. The Ambassador appreciated the support of the Turkish Ministry of National Education and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening collaboration in student exchanges, teacher training, and curriculum development. Ambassador Junaid concluded by reaffirming the timeless Pakistan–Türkiye bond, describing it as “one nation, two states.”
Rector OST?M Technical University Prof. Dr. Murat Ali Yulek, noted that such exchanges help young people appreciate each other’s cultures and build lasting friendships. He also lauded PEISG’s role in promoting academic excellence and mutual understanding between the two countries.
The guests were warmly received by Director PEISG Mr. Ghalib Gillani, who briefed the visiting students on the institution’s vision, activities and key mile stones achieved over the years. Students of PEISG presented vibrant cultural performances reflecting the shared heritage of Pakistan and Türkiye.
Under the Prime Minister’s initiative to reward academic excellence, 149 high achieving students from 26 public sector examination boards from all across Pakistan visited Turkiye in two batches. The students visited prominent universities and explored significant historical and cultural landmarks in Istanbul and Ankara, an experience that will contribute greatly to their academic enrichment and personal growth.
